Breakout candidate
Luis Oviedo, RHP
The Pirates project the 21-year-old as a future starter, but the Rule 5 Draft pick, acquired from the New York Mets via trade, will start his major league career in the bullpen. The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder never has pitched above Single-A but has a four-pitch repertoire with a fastball that touched 98 mph in Venezuelan winter league play, along with a changeup, slider and curveball.
Pressure’s on
Richard Rodriguez, RHP
Rodriguez became closer by default last season after injuries to Keone Kela and Kyle Crick, and he finished with four saves and 15 games finished. Rodriguez is better suited for a setup role, however, and the 31-year-old could be a trade chip at the deadline.
By the numbers
8 — Combined career saves by Pirates relievers.
11 — Combined home runs allowed last season by relievers Richard Rodriguez (three), Chris Stratton (three), Sam Howard (four) and Michael Feliz (one).
13.1 — Strikeouts per nine innings last season by Richard Rodriguez, the most of any returning Pirates pitcher.
